A strip of grass so lifeless it could star in its own nature documentary has been transformed into a blooming garden, and the volunteers behind it are now being celebrated for doing something that benefits literally everyone. The Annadale Community Centre Gardening Group, which meets every Tuesday and is about to celebrate its first birthday in September, has been nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award.

Residents say the space has become a 'welcoming community hub' where people can learn new skills, share ideas and support each other - basically, a place where humans interact like humans, which is apparently noteworthy. Kirstie Rowan, involved since the beginning, proudly lists their achievements: 'We started with the grass, unwanted containers and the polytunnel and now we've got the pond, tree bed and vegetables as well.' She notes that every week brings more growth, more flowers, and more reasons to feel good about not staying in bed.

For Fayth Duffy, the group has been a 'game changer' after moving to the area. 'I was really finding it hard to put down roots and meet friends,' she said, because once your kids age out of toddler groups, you're left to fend for yourself socially. Now she has friends, coffee dates, and people who check in to make sure she shows up. Larry Andrews, an 87-year-old former butcher, found refuge after his wife's death last year. He came for company, discovered it via WhatsApp, and now enjoys 'a yarn' with a surprising number of people - because, as it turns out, talking to people is nice.

Amber Jennings, who provides gardening tips, calls the garden a 'hidden gem on the Ormeau Road' and says the primary goal is to 'improve the wellbeing of people in the area.' The group is one of four finalists in the BBC Make a Difference Awards' environmental category, alongside Daniel McAfee of Ballycastle (a wildlife volunteer and squirrel enthusiast), Alannah Agnew of Cookstown (a school eco-team chairperson who helped secure the school's sixth Green Flag), and Eco Rangers NI of Carrickfergus (a litter-picking group that also helps young people earn Duke of Edinburgh Awards).

Winners will be announced live on BBC Radio Ulster on Friday 25 September. In the meantime, the garden continues to grow, and so does the evidence that a little dirt and community can do wonders - who knew?